Did Eminem Take a Shot at Kendrick Lamar on His New Album, 'The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)'?
Eminem has a signature style of weaving references to contemporary artists into his lyrics, whether to celebrate their achievements or to poke fun at them.
His latest album, "The Death of Slim Shady," continues this trend, featuring shoutouts to numerous legendary artists.
In particular, Eminem highlights the most recent work of these artists, defending them against fan criticism and underscoring the respect he believes they deserve.
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"Renaissance," one of the tracks on the album, sets a bold tone. Despite its brevity, the song is packed with Eminem's characteristic dense wordplay, emphasizing the chaotic persona of Slim Shady.
As the track progresses, Eminem shifts from showcasing his lyrical prowess to standing up for his peers. Kendrick Lamar is the first artist he defends.
"Now let's travel inside the mind of a hater"
"Cause I don't see no fans, all I see's a bunch of complainers"
He raps, adopting the perspective of these critics, he sarcastically adds:
"'Kendrick's album was cool but it didn't have any bangers,' 'Wayne's album or Ye's, couldn't tell you which one was lamer.'"
Fans Are Speculating Eminem Is Taking A Shot At Kendrick Lamar On The Intro Of His Album:
“Now just travel inside the mind of a hater, cause I don't see no fans, all I see's a bunch of complainers…
— WhatsOnRap (@WhatsOnRap__) July 12, 2024
Kendrick’s album was cool but it didn’t have any bangers…
- Eminem on “Renaissance” ✍️ pic.twitter.com/yrRCnoWydC
Eminem praises Kendrick Lamar on his new album "The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)
"That as far as smoke with me, I don't think it'd be smart, so (Woah). Might as well go lookin' for smoke with Lamar, bro (Yeah, yeah)"Eminem's new album has sparked significant buzz, arriving after the release of its lead singles, "Houdini" and "Tobey," on May 31 and June 28, respectively.
"Houdini," named after the famous escape artist Harry Houdini, samples Steve Miller Band's 1982 hit "Abracadabra."
The single also came with a humorous music video, further showcasing Eminem's creative flair and his ability to blend humor with his music.
"The Death of Slim Shady" isn't just about defending his peers. It also highlights Eminem's evolution as an artist, weaving intricate narratives and addressing contemporary issues in his unique style.
His references to Kendrick Lamar and others serve as both a nod to their contributions to the music industry and a critique of the often harsh judgments from fans.
Eminem's willingness to defend fellow artists and challenge critics underscores his respect for the craft and his desire to see genuine talent recognized.
"The Death of Slim Shady" is not just an album; it's a testament to Eminem's enduring influence and his commitment to pushing boundaries in hip-hop.